This Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with creamy cheese, fresh spinach, and tasty mushrooms, it’s both comforting and easy to make.
What I love most is how quickly it comes together! Just one pan, and dinner is served! Plus, who can resist that cheesy goodness? It’s a real crowd-pleaser! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle pasta, or bowtie pasta, adds a fun shape to the dish. If you’re low on this, you can swap it with any pasta like penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist!
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms are great for this recipe. If you can’t find them, shiitake or portobello can also work. For a different flavor, try using canned mushrooms, but add them later to avoid overcooking.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach gives the dish a nice color and nutrients. If you’re out of fresh spinach, you can use thawed frozen spinach, but squeeze out excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is key for that cheesy flavor. If you need a substitute, try Pecorino Romano for a stronger bite or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Sauté Mushrooms Perfectly?
Getting perfectly sautĂ©ed mushrooms is all about control. Start with a medium heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. This way, they get golden brown instead of steaming.
- Heat your skillet and add olive oil.
- Add the mushrooms in a single layer, cooking for 5-7 minutes until visibly browned.
- Stir only occasionally, allowing them to develop that rich color.
Cooking them this way enhances their natural flavor and adds a nice depth to your pasta dish!
What’s the Trick for Combining Spinach and Garlic?
Cooking spinach with garlic enhances both flavors! After the mushrooms are sautéed, add the garlic to the skillet and cook it just until fragrant, about a minute. Then, toss in the spinach.
- Cook the spinach on medium heat until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- This keeps it vibrant and flavorful without turning mushy.
This method ensures you enjoy the deliciousness of both ingredients while keeping your dish fresh and colorful!
Cheesy Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Base:
- 8 oz (225g) farfalle pasta (bowtie pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Mushroom and Spinach Mixture:
- 3 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
Seasoning and Cheese:
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal! You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 15 minutes sautĂ©ing the veggies and combining everything. Simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Remember to save 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms:
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, then sauté them for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to become soft and beautifully browned—this brings out their flavor!
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture for about 1-2 minutes, just enough time for the garlic to become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter!
4. Toss in the Spinach:
Now, it’s time to add the fresh spinach. Stir it in and let it cook until it wilts down, which should take about another 2-3 minutes. Season this mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the drained pasta to the skillet with the mushroom and spinach mixture. Add the reserved pasta cooking water and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything together over low heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese melts and all the pasta is well coated. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is combined and delicious, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve immediately, and if you like, sprinkle some extra Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes on top for that added zing!
This one-skillet dish combines the earthiness of mushrooms, the brightness of spinach, and the creamy cheesiness of Parmesan for an easy, flavorful meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is a great choice, you can easily substitute it with other types of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian! If you want to make it vegan, simply replace the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
You can prep components in advance! Cook the pasta, sauté the mushrooms, and wash the spinach ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just combine everything and heat it up on the stove.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil, stirring often to prevent sticking.
